Board Meeting Summary

In a continuing effort toward creating a collaborative culture, please find a summary of Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. This is being forwarded to all employees and parents/community via e-communications. This is merely a summary and not to be perceived as official board minutes.

At the November 12, 2013 meeting of the Scott County Board of Education, Superintendent Patricia Putty and members of the board celebrated the accomplishment of Scott County High School student Cameron Magalon who was a participant in the inaugural class of the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs. Bryan Blankenship, Principal of Southern Elementary School, provided an overview of a collaborative effort between Scott County Schools and Georgetown College. Going to College Day gives students a chance to learn more about the process of applying and paying for college, choosing courses of study, and student activities. Mrs. Robbi Barber, Associate Director of the Office of Diversity at Georgetown College, described this experience and the importance of sending a clear message to young students that a college degree is attainable. Two students from Southern Elementary School shared their winning essays to communicate what college means to them.

In other business, nine community members shared thoughts regarding the proposed tax levy to fund the building of a second high school, many affirming the need for a new school to serve the needs of our community and students. Board Chairperson addressed the audience as a preface to a motion to levy the 10.64 cents tax per $100 of assessed property value:

“This evening the Board of Education will take an historic step for our schools, our students, and this county. As the population in our county increased in recent years, our schools responded by developing and enhancing programs. Scott County High School is known for its exemplary academic offerings and teachers, as well as its sports, music, and other programs. This excellence attracted positive attention even as the census at the school increased beyond it designed capacity. In the last couple of years our board heard from parents, students, and the community about the need for more space for these students. We have considered many options – reallocating buildings, alternative scheduling, distance learning – but these options do not pass the feasibility and safety test. Our best and most feasible choice became obvious – building a second high school on the location of the current ECS campus.

Since we made the decision to focus on a new school to provide the education resources our community wants, we hosted public forums in which we presented projections of enrollment and funding and invited questions. We responded to calls to expand our plans to include other facilities the school system desperately needs and arrived at the proposal we are considering tonight. This proposal provides the minimum increase in funding from our citizens necessary for constructing the school and facilities we need so that our students can have the space they need as soon as possible. In August this year, as a board we unanimously resolved to ‘engage in all necessary efforts to facilitate the construction of a comprehensive 9-12 grade high school as soon as fiscally and legally possible.’ Our vote tonight is one more step of turning that resolution into action. I wanted to thank my fellow board members for their courage and dedication to doing the right thing for our students as a sign that we all remain committed to fulfilling our mission of creating the best education for all students in Scott County.”

In other business, the Scott County Board of Education voted to approve the school calendar for 2014-2015 as presented. As the regular board meeting recessed, the School District Finance Committee was called to order to take action on a main sewer easement at Northern Elementary School. Back in regular session, the Board approved common carriers for student transportation, approved items for donation, and approved fundraisers and grants. Other items include items approved for surplus, approval of agreements as listed, and change orders for Lemons Mill Elementary School.

During the Superintendent’s Report, Mrs. Putty discussed the professional growth system for teachers and principals and let Board members know that schools have been working on data for individual school improvements plans which will be used to develop district improvement plan. Superintendent Putty also provided an update on KSBIT. Members were invited to the Teen Court swearing in ceremony scheduled for Nov. 25 at 6:00pm at Elkhorn Crossing School.